You guys need to quit crying. He wasn't that bad and if you'd get off your ass and do some work, you would realize that if he sees your trying, he will help you out. Grow up guys.

great professor. he makes history very understandable. because of him i like history. his class was awesome. he lets the student think and come up with their own opinion. I took hist 12 late at night and it was a lot of fun

If you go to class, listen to his extremely entertaining lectures and do a little bit of studying, you'll do fine. I can't believe that Gantner has a bad rating, he's one of the best teachers I've had at SMC!

he actually makes history interesting. he focuses on the theory more than dates and names. if you enjoy thinking, he's an excellent prof. if you just want to memorize random facts and not have to think about the social issues that led up to events, don't bother.

He's a great teacher who knows what he's talking about. He's willing to help you if you need it. Overall best history teacher I've had.

Great teacher if you hate memorizing useless facts.

This professor is great because he doesn't treat the students like dopes or children like some professors do. He does make you think, can that be a bad thing? I'm enjoying history for the first time. Take this guy is you can.

This is the best history class I've ever taken. Not boring like most. He's a fair grader, but you do have to work.

I think prof Gantner is by far one of the best professors I've had. I had never been interested in history until his class. It isn't about memorizing facts or dates..it is about the bigger picture!! His lectures are so amazing that I almost, after one of his lectures, stood up and applauded!!

An easy A as long as you pay attention to the lectures. I hardly even read the books.

He is a great teacher who makes learning about history fun! He is very fair with the grades and grades on a curve. He is an asset at SMC! I recommend him.

Take another instructor.lectures really well. True no midterm or final,but grades very hard on the two written essays.doesn't give back assignments or quizzes back ontime. most of us didn't know what our grades were till they were posted 2 weeks after the semester was over. I was in class every day missed 2 lectures and still got a "C"

Very lenient prof, if a situation comes up he will work with you. I missed a paper and he allowed me extra time to finish the other two and he didn't penalize my grade. His lectures are so interesting to listent to, you almost forget to take notes. He doesn't write lecture notes on the board so you better be able to take good notes. Great and fun.

Cool guy- focuses on concepts, not dates and details. Wants students to understand WHY the country operates the way that it does. Yes, he's pretty left of center, but encourages open debate. Very enjoyable class.

His class is great. He's very interesting and well he doesn't give any exams. No midterm nor final or quizzes. He gave up on those. The book you really don't need it that much only if you want to read. He let's you write 3 essays and that will be your grade. Recommend him 100%.

This prof. is a great storyteller! He isn't demanding, but you must submit QUALITY written work to get an A. Highly recommended for anyone, but especially for those who are going into the class less than enthusiastic about history.

Dr. Gantner is an excellent teacher who concentrates on the big picture. Really, for the first time history made sense to me. Not that easy, but worth it. Excellent.

gantner is such an awesome dude. he knows tons about the internet and always stays objective(during class at least!). lolz. plus he is soo handsome! his class is time well spent and he always returns papers in a timely manner! gantner i salute you and your wonderful wonderful ways.

Judging from the previous comment, it seems like Mrs. Gantner has contributed to this rating. Professor Gantner and his Tom Hanks-ian voice provide this course w/ a refreshing take on this era in US history. Gantner would rather have his students grasp & understand the consensus/atmosphere of key moments in US history rather than focus on details.

I didn't realize I was in a blue state until I took Gantner's course. I tried to report his radicalistic tendencies to the Santa Monica Student council in hopes of getting a 3 dollar voucher to the cafeteria, but was unsuccessful. Students beware! (5/5 Power fists)

Great, passionate instructor with refreshing and engaging lectures. A few small short answer quizzes. Midterm and final are take-home essay reports. Makes history interesting. Focuses on the big picture. really funny and compassionate guy who examines things from a human perspective, not a hard, by-the-book, rigid stand-point.

Cool teacher. Makes the class interesting. time went by fast and he's cute too!

I agree with the earlier post. I do not want my professor to be radical. It is not appropriate for him to raise questions about society or veer from the status quo. Professors should not question the president, the church, or any other pillar of authority. I can't believe the student council didn't so something about him. McCarthy where are you!?!

This is the best professor I've had at SMC. He wants you to get the larger picture, how history works. He wants you to think about it, not just memorize it. His lectures are funny and very provocative. Just great.

Hey, try and keep up. This professor is not bitter, he's ironic. His humor is sophisticated, true, but his lectures are incredible and his ideas are challenging. In other words, I'm thinking in this class. How bad can that be?

by far this is the best teacher I have ever had at SMC. And if any of the people complain about his teaching it's only because these people r sorry ass little ****es. If u dont get an A it's only because u dont deserve it.

Gantner is a highly articulate professor who is extremely knowledgable on the subject. You will appreciate him more if you are able to understand the irony, wit and social subtext in his lectures. During the immigration walkout, he decided not to lecture and instead hosted a class discussion. Disorganized and rarely demanding, but never boring.

very funny professor, not hard what so ever. He gives 4 quizzes but he literally gives you the answers. Doesn't take attendance and well easy B, if you work a little hard you will definitely get an A.

Absolutely the best professor I have ever had. Not only is he entertaining, but he offers his students an understanding of U.S. history that does not include useless dates and names. He emphasizes the recurring themes of history and encourages his students to have an open mind and to dare to be skeptical. He makes history interesting and important.

I dont rate teachers,but he deserves it.Ganter is the best professor Ive had and one of the coolest people ive ever met.You have to really like sarcastic,cynical,dark humor to understand him.To everyone that dissed him, your all a bunch of uptight,ignorant,close minded people who cant handle reality or a legitimate piece of mind.Ganter is the man!

Dr. G. is witty, ironic, and not afraid to share his point of view. He doesn't suffer fools gladly; your questions have to be informed, but when they are the discussion is great. Pay attention to the recurring themes and you will excel on quizzes and the exams. Cool texts. Great guy with a big heart to go with his mastery of the subject.

Good professor and very smart. A little synical but it adds to the spice of the class. Well worth your time.

Dr. Gantner is incredible. He is the best history teacher ive EVER had, and as a history major ive had a few of them. His lectures are informative and make you think, and he has a terriffic sense of humor, although you have to appreciate dark, cynical humor to like it. Definitely a class worth taking, you will learn and laugh a lot.

An amazing teacher. History has never been so interesting! He is full of wit and cynicism, which you must appreciate. He really makes you think about history, and why we care about it.

Great professor. Smart, funny, and very intersting. Makes History interesting.

Dr. Gantner is the real thing, he is what college is about. His lectures are easy to follow and interesting. In the few times I missed his class I was bummed and really wish the semester was not over. I plan on taking as many classes as I can with Dr. Gantner and history is not my major. I wish every professor was this great. Take his classes.

The world federation should mandate that every human take Gantner's courses. The SMC students who live a life without experiencing him will not have lived a life worth living. He is beloved for his passion, wit, eloquence, and old-fashioned heart. HE IS A GEM, and each minute spent with him is a gift. PERIOD. Do not waste your time with any other.

Myself a Republican, he and I debated back and forth over issues where he felt I was too young to have such a firm opinion :) but I never wavered and he actually was concerned that I would be angry with him for presenting too liberal a slant. Gantner is a really nice prof. & I highly reccomend him- he doesn't ask for more work than you can put in

I took him in the Fall and as I recall he is very astute and animated. He also possesses a great sense of humor (dark humor). He is open to discussion upon disagreements, thus very fair. If you need history courses, do take them with professor Gantner.

His class is so easy, even a caveman could do it

he is one of the coolest professor that i had you can go to his class have fun listening to him for one hour. his lectures are so clear and easy to remember. quizes are super easy u just have to write two good papers for him.

I have had Dr. Gantner for two classes and now and I am about to take my third. There is nobody like him. He is still the real thing, you will see if you take his class. He is brilliant, funny, and you will learn history. He really is the best professor I have ever had. You will be lucky to learn from him. Take time with your paper and just listen!

Also teaches at UCLA. He is one of the funniest guys I've ever met and is very knowledgeable (when he forgets his notes, he still holds the lecture and can answer every question). His Quizzes are extremely easy. If you put in a little work and do the reading (or come to class every time), you will definitely end up with an A.

Awesome professor! I enjoyed every moment of both classes I had with him. His lectures are amazing. Not always precise on certain facts (presidential terms start on odd-number years!),but I guess there's more to history than knowing exact dates and times. If you're going to take any American history class, take it with him. Highly recommended!!!

History has always been my least favorite subject..until I took his class! I think he's one of the best professors I've had in a while because the lectures were animated, interesting, precise, and humorous all at the same time. I definetely recommend him to anyone.

great class. the lectures are interesting but he tends to drift. we have 5 quizzes but we only got around to taking 1 and he just gave us credit for the other 4. oh and he drops the lowest grade. we have 2 papers, i didn't read any of the books we were supposed to for the papers and i still got an A in the class.

The best lectures

On the 1st day of class, there were more people there than he could take and he said it was 'because he's a legend' - and it was ALL TRUE. I loved his class, and his stories. I have never been so engaged and motivated to attend a history class, which are usually so boring. He goes easy on the grading, even if history is not your forte.

He is one of the most insightful and witty profs I have ever had. He does not make you memorize useless facts. He provides you with critical analysis of key events and expects you to do the same. He keeps the class entertaining with his witty humor and never shows anger or disrespect towards anyone.Some reading, few quizzes, short essay,must take!

Hello Prof G, I kno u read these:)I took ur clss Spring '07 & u are 1 tchr I will nvr frgt.Like the othr revws hre,ur lectrs R engaging and ur clss is certainly fair.I luv Hist so it's doubly easy 4 me.I was the oldr stdnt who got into UCB & the only regret I have is turnin in such crappy papers. I had "senioritis." I've improved :) Take this class

Professor Gantner is one of the most entertaining and helpful professors at SMC. I cannot say that at any point did I feel he didn't care. I remember the beginning of the semester he was mean to me, or so I thought, but he was just messing with me. He treats us like humans, not as inferior to him. I've never been so excited for a class. TAKE HIM!

Let me give a basis of this class... you come to class if you want to come to class. No attendance except in the beginning to get you scared. 2 quizzes which i missed one and got an A still.. and a final essay. He is very laid back. but about your grade... it depends all on him. You are not graded on a lot, so its a risk. Take him, funny guy!!!!!!

Now that I've been at Cal for a year, Prof Gantner, you are seriously one of the best lecturers ever. Many here are brilliant but can't TEACH! or too absorbed in themselves. The reading however is just like your clss. Tons of novels for every single class and we act have to read'em. (like 'The Chief' by Nasaw) We get 3wks 2 finish tht on top of a pile of other bks! Hope ur well!

Proff Gantner is amazinggggg. easy A b/c he knows how to teach! take him

very good teacher. made me learn about 20th century history. If you are into history, you will love this class but if you are not, it will probably make you sleepy. homework is okay not much not any really but the quizzes are a bit tough.

This is by far the best teacher. He has a way of speaking to his class for you to engage in his conversations. He is very intellectual and knowledgable. MUST TAKE HIM

Ganter was interesting, funny, and smart- and he gave us great lectures on what was going on in current events such as the economic meltdown, but in doing so he didn't get to cover as much of what we needed. This kinda made one part of the final hard because I didn't really know about things like Vietnam. But I hope I got an A. Overall tho- GREAT

Honestly one of the best professors i have had. school has never been my thing but he makes me interested.

Best teacher I've had at SMC. I know he's a smart guy who is interested in the subject and communicates it well, so it makes me more inclined to listen. We get into great discussions and he is SO nice, witty and has a great attitude. By the end of the course I had a huge crush on him and it was my favorite class I had taken.

my favorite professor ever, bar none. TAKE GANTNER!!! he's funny, incredibly smart, and most of all he's not anal about assignments and grading. he made the 2 hour winter sesh classes go by so quickly because of how funny and engaging he is!!!

One of the best teachers at SMC. Loved his class, wish I could take more of his classes.

BEST TEACHER IN THE WORLD!!! I absolutely loved Professor Gantner, and I wished that he taught more History classes. He makes learning about history fun and interactive. He always has funny joke to tell about his wife and daughters. Textbook was NEVER used and no homework. Most quizzes end up being take-home. I would HIGHLY recommended his class!!

Excellent teacher, wish I could take the class all over again or any other of his classes!!

Wow! Excellent class! Do yourself a big favor and take Gantner. He has a real knack for being informative and entertaining at the same time. Like most other professors he is very Liberal in his political views, but he does not force them down your throat and is not condescending. He kind of looks like and reminds me of comedian Lewis Black.

Good lecturer, which is critical for teaching yet hard to find in a professor! He is a little disorganized but if you need help he will take his own time to go over things with you. He wants students to learn and be successful. Funny, cynical, but goodhearted and interesting/knowledgeable.

He may not be the most organized instructor but he is really smart and great lecturer. Makes history fun unlike other instructors.

Took Gaunter for scholars history 12. Really chill (except he went on a rant that one day lol.. but it was well deserved for the people who cheated). Lectures are good because he touches on interesting aspects. He is a really nice guy and if I got into UCLA I would take him again. Im glad I kept this class because he tried to scare people off.

Excellent professor!!! Highly recommended he is a great lecturer and knows what he is talking about, great insight. take him if you really want to learn and understand what history is about

class started off chilled. we had 3 take home quizzes. Then towards the last 3 weeks of the semester, 1 research paper and final. Our grade depended on that exam and paper.not organized, tough grader on the papers.gave us the exam questions a week before the final. participation is key to success in his class. need to be good at writing!

Love his Lectures, very laid back, funny, realistic nice guy. We had some quizes on terms given (take home) then we had a research paper on the end of the semester. Fair grader . easy laid back class. Take him!

Great professor! Easy grader, good lecturer, and very helpful. I recommend him over any other history professor! If I transfer to UCLA I will definetly take another class with him!!! :)

His lectures were extremely interesting. It was my favorite class. He gave three take home quizzes which were pretty easy. The research paper wasn't too hard either because he gave continuous feedback on what he was looking for. He gave the questions that were to be on the final a week in advance for preparation. He was awesome.

Awesome professor! Funny, interesting, intelligent. Just a few take home quizzes, a paper, and the final.

(I think this site has his 1st name wrong: Chris, not Donald)... I loved Gantner's class. Easy, yes, but pleasant and Gantner is so articulate! Makes me wish I were too. I learned a great deal about post 1945 US History, but the class was very easy. Didn't have to show up (although I always did) and papers were not bad.

Great class. uses a "commentary" teaching style that allows you to make up your mind about US History. Great sense of humor and is approachable. Real deal college class, he doesn't treat you like a little kid and the class is what you make of it. Take home quizzes, a research paper and a final. THE history class to take at SMC

The best hist. prof @ SMC. Honest(yet sarcastic),funny, teaches completely without notes.Sometimes goes of life-tangents, but he always has great life-lessons for students.1 in-class quiz(1st),2nd-e/o got 100/100 points,3-take home, 4-take home,final yet to take. EZ CLASS, aslong as you attend class and pay attention. NO HW! Gonna miss you prof!!

THE BEST!I loved history after I met him. This is a hist. class you will actually want to go to I took him twice got a B the first time and an A the second time. Love him he's great.

Professor Gantner is one of a kind. He gives brilliant lectures which are often interspersed with humorous stories about his family. Very friendly person but you must work hard on the difficult assignments.

A great teacher, his class was very interesting and I loved listening to his political views and theories. His grading was a bit scary since I had no idea what I would get in the class until grades were posted. Overall good teacher if you talk to him he will always help you out.

One of the best classes you'll ever take. You'll learn without being stressed out. He runs the gamut from Civil War to current events (sometimes in the same class period). Overall a fun guy. Lectures freestyle--take good notes and read the book on your own. You'll do fine.

Seriously people best history teacher at SMC! at first the class and his lectures are intimidating but as the semester goes by everything is easier! he knows his stuff really well and hes really smart RECOMMEND

He is the best. Im so bummed he's not teaching at UCLA in the fall I loved his lectures. You have to know how to take your own notes. He is super funny and if you show up to class everyday and participate its an easy A. His quizes/tests are easy although we did not really know our grade till the end of the semester. Still, really easy, really funny

100th rate for my #1 favorite professor. I only wish that he taught every History class - college would then be my favorite form of entertainment as well as education. Take his class, participate, have fun, do his work, don't read anything: receive A.

IF YOU ARE GOING TO TAKE HISTORY TAKE IT WITH THIS GUY. NO HOMEWORK, 3 TESTS, VERY FAIR GRADING. I PURPOSELY TAKE ALL MY HISTORY CLASSES WITH HIM. HE'S HILARIOUS AND WELL INFORMED. YOU LEARN SO MUCH AND LEAVE CLASS WITH A SMILE ON YOUR FACE, ESPECIALLY WHEN HE ENDS CLASS EARLY!

INCREDIBLY easy. Just show up and take notes. We've had only two papers in 3 months of class and never used the book. He is smart and gets you to think. Hilarious and thought-provoking. He's got heart, he's got an opinion, and he wants you to learn. Pretty much a guaranteed A, but you learn something along the way. Highly recommended.

Had a great time going to his summer session. You take notes the right way. Listening to his oral lectures, instead of copying the board. When it comes down to writing papers, if you take him seriously, then most likely your paper will be serious. A funny, honest, and opinionated man who won't annoy you, too. You'll learn a lot. Great guy.

Best Teacher at SMC. I actually enjoyed his class and feel like I learned a lot more with his method of teaching.

Best History professors at SMC. At first, he looks a little mean but he's great just don't get on his bad side. If you love history take him because this guy knows his stuff. Really enjoyed the class. Tests consist of essays but they are easy he'll tell you what they are about.

This guy is amazing. I took him for a full semester in Spring and he really knows what he is talking about and is very flexible with different topics regarding History. His mid-term and final are fairly simple and as long as you try you will do great. Take him, you won't regret it.

Super easy class. Literally just sit there listen to him talk about politics. Keeps saying he will give you an assignment but puts it off for weeks. Recommended if you need a simple, fun history class for your GE classes.

Ganter is by far my favorite professor at SMC. His class is super easy and he hates giving assignments. Even though the class is easy, I enjoy sitting in his lectures because he is so witty, sarcastic and cynical. Take his class, it's worth it.

Professor Gantner by far one of the greats in SMC. This was one of my favorite classes to go to out of all the classes I had. Very friendly guy, funny and most definatley not a hard class to pass. If only I would have known who he was before I would have taken all my history classes with him thats how chill this clas is. Read your book, Easy A.;]

I wouldn't say it's that hard, but yeah whatever class. He is soo careless about his students. I got a .b even though had great papers. It's ok, you can take him, but be carefull, he is a tough grader.

Professor Gantner is hilariously cynical and proficient at teaching his own clever way of looking at things. I loved his class.

I love him! Such a cool guy. Work hard and he will go out of his way for you. Don't BS him, go to his office hours and chat, you'll learn a lot. GO to the classes, he notices when you're not there. READ the assigned books, they're GREAT. He's reasonable, smart, and really kind.